fabric

noun

fab·ric ˈfa-brik

Synonyms of fabric next

: structure, building

: underlying structure : framework

the fabric of society

: an act of constructing : erection

specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building

: structural plan or style of construction

: texture, quality

—used chiefly of textiles

: the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other

: cloth sense 1a

: a material that resembles cloth

: the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Example Sentences

The curtains are made of expensive fabric. scarves made of woven fabrics the fabric of the community

Recent Examples on the Web His focus — on threats to the nation and to the fabric of conservative life — helped rally a coalition of supporters that included pious Muslims and hard-right nationalists and gave Erdogan 52 percent of the vote in the runoff held Sunday. —

Kareem Fahim, Washington Post, 29 May 2023 International standards are increasingly becoming part of the fabric of global governance. —

Christy Hoffman, Fortune, 29 May 2023 The sneakers have an anti-slip rubber sole and breathable fabric, keeping your feet dry and cool throughout the day. —

Amanda Oliver, Peoplemag, 27 May 2023 This two-pack comes in sizes XS to XL and features a lightweight cotton-poly blend fabric. —

Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Bsn, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2023 With its durable, yet breathable mesh fabric, your pet can be comfortable all day long. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2023 The bamboo chandelier is by David Duncan Studio, and the drapery is one of Corrigan’s own fabrics from his line at Schumacher by the Shade Store. —

Parker Bowie Larson, ELLE Decor, 16 May 2023 For the Allure Bridals and Bridgerton collection, Paolo honed Regency- and Georgian-era silhouettes while staying true to the signature lace, fabrics, and embellishments delicately embedded on Queen Charlotte’s gowns. —

Shanae Hardy, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2023 What defines performance in summer pants is the material and fabric. —

Maverick Li, menshealth.com, 11 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fabric.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *d^hab^h-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *d^hab^h-r-sneh₂) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *d^hab^h-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of fabric was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century